Articles tagged with Dead Zones
The Gulf of Mexico's dead zone is smaller than expected this year, measuring 3,000 square miles, but severe in some areas. The area was predicted to be larger by NOAA models, driven by high nitrate loads and freshwater flows from rivers.
Scientists predict a massive dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, threatening commercial and recreational fisheries. The predicted size could be as large as New Jersey, caused by nutrient runoff from agricultural activity.
A Brown scientist found that quahog clams increase in number in hypoxic zones, as they can withstand oxygen-depleted waters and their predators cannot survive there. This suggests that certain species may benefit from dead zones, contradicting the conventional wisdom on these areas.
Researchers at Rice University developed a method to predict Wi-Fi coverage using basic topography and street locations, promising cheaper and easier network deployment. The technique was tested on two high-profile networks and showed promising results.
The number of dead zones in coastal waters has increased by a third between 1995 and 2007, with 405 areas affected, covering an area of 95,000 square miles. Dead zones are caused by excess nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to oxygen depletion.
This year's predicted dead zone off the coast of Louisiana and Texas could measure a record 8,800 square miles, threatening valuable commercial and recreational Gulf fisheries. The area experiences low oxygen levels due to high nutrient levels from human activities.
A UBC study warns that US corn-based ethanol production will increase nitrogen levels in the Mississippi River, harming the Gulf of Mexico's 'Dead Zone'. The researchers estimate a 10-19% increase in nitrogen loading, exceeding recommended limits and overwhelming mitigation options.
Researchers will collect data to verify water quality models and predict Dead Zone development, supporting resource managers in mitigating hypoxia impacts on commercially important fish and shellfish. The study complements existing research on the effects of hypoxia on aquatic life.
A five-year study will examine the causes of the dead zone in Lake Erie, focusing on excess phosphorous, zebra mussels, and global warming. Researchers aim to detect the cause and prevent further spread before affecting the fishery and tourism industries.
Researchers found that a 'dead zone' summer in Narragansett Bay led to the death of approximately 4.5 billion mussels, with filtering capacity dropping by 75 percent within weeks. The loss of such a foundation species has lasting effects on the ecosystem.
Low oxygen levels in ocean 'dead zones' can induce sex changes in embryonic fish, leading to an overabundance of males and potentially threatening species with extinction. The study found that 75% of zebra fish developed male characteristics under low oxygen conditions.
Researchers from Texas A&M University have found lower oxygen levels in the dead zone area of the Gulf, which could lead to more severe hypoxia and fish kills if physical conditions continue. The team studied an area between Southwest Pass, La., and the Calcasieu ship channel.
A study by Larry Crowder at Duke University suggests that coastal dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico can have significant impacts on target species and commercial fisheries. The research group has found that fish and shrimp can evade death by relocating to the zone's edge, but growth rates of some Gulf fish and shellfish may be lower.
Agricultural runoff from Mexico's Yaqui River Valley has been found to directly trigger massive algal blooms in the Sea of Cortez, potentially harming ocean life and fisheries. The study, published at the AGU meeting, provides evidence of a one-to-one correspondence between irrigation events and algal blooms.
The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico has broken up, with hypoxia moving further offshore and marine life returning to previously low-oxygen areas. Strong coastal currents and eddies are thought to be key factors in this change.
A new hypoxic event has been detected off the Oregon coast, causing a massive die-off of fish and invertebrate marine species. Dissolved oxygen levels are significantly lower than those seen in the past 40 years, suggesting a major change in ocean circulation patterns.
Research from the University of Michigan suggests that the current federal plan may not be enough to protect the Gulf of Mexico's half billion dollar a year shrimp industry. The proposed goal of 30 percent nitrogen load reduction is insufficient, and a reduction of 40-45 percent is needed to achieve desired results.
A Texas A&M University researcher is studying a large dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, where fertilizers are suspected to be a major cause. The Mississippi River is creating a perfect storm for these chemical runoff events due to its massive size and high nutrient levels.